Wayback machine is just what the doctor ordered for those Red-X’d sites. As for “password protected/members only” sites, I find them really annoying and also think they do no good in terms of preserving the history and memories of Vietnam helicopter units. Although I’ve spent countless hours researching Vietnam choppers on the net, I can only imagine how much “blood, sweat & tears” it took for You to compile such an overwhelming amount of data on nicknames/nose art. Truly amazing [bow]
This is a photo of one of my favorite Huey gunships. This Charlie model served with the B/1/9 Cav and was one of the last two UH-1Cs in the aeroweapons platoon as they were converting to Cobras. I will restrain myself from describing the unusual weapons package, but You can read more about this one-of-a-kind Huey in the Unusual Vietnam Hueys thread ( /forums/7/804602/ShowPost.aspx#804602 ). You will notice it carried a nickname on the door post. I’ve tried clearing the image up using all sorts of image enhancement software, with no luck - I still cannot make it out. I was wondering if You have it in Your database. It was with the Bravo troop from about mid 1969 to early 1970.
The name looks like it might be “Satan’s Bride” but I could be very wrong as well. Anyway, just thought I’d point you to this one as well. Good luck in your quest!
I did see this picture before, but still couldn’t make the name out. I think Satan’s Bride could be it! I always thought it was “Satan something”, but that second word is almost impossible to crack. Well, Satan’s Bride certainly sounds fitting to such a Hellish Huey [}:)].
Say, are You getting any closer to nailing #3? Knowing it was a cav unit does narrow it down for us, but I am still pretty much in the dark. The only Cav unit, I can think of, that painted some sort of a maskot/character associated with the unit’s name to noses of their slicks in 1970-71 were the “Blue Ghosts” F/8 Cav. But I find it unlikely that Blue Ghost was a radio character, or was it?
Marko and Ray, regarding question #3, remember that each of the thirteen slicks had individual & original copter nose “names” as well as individual & original copter nose artwork. Both names & artwork are adapted expressions of the unit’s mascot. Both “names” and artwork evolve around the unit’s offical name and the off-beat reputation of the mascot the name represents. JB
“It says AC WO Thomas, second line is CC SP5 High. The little things are
coolie hats…one for each confirmed kill. This aircraft went on to
having them down both door posts and down both sides.”
Hello Wayne, this is John Brennan going about tying up loose ends for the
copter name book. Attached are two photos that I understand you are
familiar with. On the doorpost is some lettering that might spell out the
“name” for this gunship. Can you decipher these two words? Thanks, John
Brennan
